Hey, how are you doing? I downloaded this game for free back before there was a price tag on it. It says I have to buy it. Can you help? Have a wonderful day!! :)
The reason for that is that he wanted to put it on steam. But steam requested that it can only be put on steam if the game is priced on every site the same (so also itch.io), or it wouldn't be allowed on steam.
READ THE "IMPORTANT UPDATE" IN THE DEVELOPMENT LOG.
If that's the case, then why are there also free games on Steam that can also be found Itchio without any charge? But hey, you're free to decide what to do as it is your own game. No biggie.
Because steam changes policy and doesnt enforce everyone sticking to the same thing. Its arbitrary and sometimes you get an asshole during submissions.